Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Acid Reflux

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Acid reflux may be triggered by a variety of factors, including food sensitivities, underlying conditions and specific habits. Some of the most common causes of acid reflux include hiatal hernias, excessive alcohol intake and tobacco smoking

Modifying your diet to include foods that will help balance your stomach’s acidity, and avoiding foods that may cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax prematurely, can help

Pregnant women are especially susceptible to acid reflux because of the hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy

Q: What causes acid reflux?

A: Acid reflux may be triggered by a variety of factors, including food sensitivities, underlying conditions and specific habits. Some of the most common causes of acid reflux include hiatal hernias, excessive alcohol intake and tobacco smoking.1

Q: Does acid reflux cause bloating?

A: Acid reflux may cause bloating and vice versa. Bloating causes acid reflux by increasing the pressure in the stomach, pushing its contents up the esophagus.2

Q: Can alcohol cause acid reflux?

A: Alcohol is one of the top triggers of acid reflux. Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to esophageal mucosa damage, which may exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. However, studies on the subject have yielded conflicting results.3

Q: What does acid reflux feel like?

A: Acid reflux is characterized by a handful of symptoms, with heartburn being the primary one. During the onset of acid reflux, the first sensation you will feel is a burning sensation in your chest or at the back of your throat. You may also feel dizzy or nauseous.4

Q: How do you treat acid reflux?

A: In conventional medicine, doctors may prescribe antacids, H-2-receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to help patients deal with acid reflux.5 However, these medications come with a variety of side effects, some of which may negatively affect the whole body system.

A: You can start by modifying your diet to include foods that will help balance your stomach’s acidity, and by avoiding foods that may cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax prematurely. The amount of food that you’re eating is also crucial when it comes to dealing with acid reflux.

There are numerous natural home remedies that may help in reducing the acidity in the GI tract and strengthening the muscles responsible for keeping the undigested food where it’s supposed to be. Some of the natural remedies you can try include marshmallow root, bromelain and slippery elm.

Q: Does milk help acid reflux?

A: Milk may help neutralize the acidity in the stomach, but it will only provide short-term relief. It’s best that you seek options that may remedy the root causes of acid reflux.6

Q: Can acid reflux make you throw up?

A: A weakening in the esophageal sphincter, which allows acid and undigested food to travel up the esophagus, primarily causes acid reflux. When you regurgitate, you might vomit out small amounts of the content of your stomach.7

Q: Are pregnant women more susceptible to acid reflux?

A: Pregnant women are especially susceptible to acid reflux because of the hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy. This is caused by progesterone, which slows down digestion.8 The increased pressure on the abdomen as the baby grows may also push on the stomach, letting the acid re-enter the esophagus.9

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Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

If you want to use an article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.